NU has already lost starting cornerback Zackary Bowman for the entire 2006 season with a torn ACL, and on Wednesday head coach Bill Callahan said that junior linebacker Steve Octavien was hospitalized on Tuesday evening to have his appendix removed.

However, Callahan said Octavien's appendix did not burst, so his status should not be in jeopardy for Nebraska's season opener against Louisiana Tech on Sept. 2.

"He's been excused for medical reasons," Callahan said of Octavien. "He had his appendix out last night. He's recovering, but the prognosis is very good. They're telling me he could be out running on Friday and be in full pads on Monday."